Roster

A Closer Look at Ben Roethlisberger

The AP Offensive Player (Rookie) of the year's recipient and quintuple Pro Bowl winner earned himself the nickname 'Big Ben', owing to his considerably large build, which is rather outside of the norm for quarterbacks. He takes quite a bit of an interest in matters off of the field, supporting initiatives to raise living conditions for Pittsburgh residents as well as being responsible for the initiation of support foundations in aid of U.S. Fire and Police departments.

He has his own beef jerky brand called "Big Ben's Beef Jerky". All profits go directly to charity.

He and his offensive line appeared in an episode of WWE RAW as a guest host.

Roethlisberger won 2 Super Bowls in his first 4 years of playing with the Steelers.

High School Career

Before his name was a household fixture, Ben cut a thin, lanky figure playing in wideout position while with Findlay. This was up until the final season of his high school days in 1999 when he got his chance at starting quarterback after his predecessor graduated out of the school.

He didn't disappoint. He went on to play a state record-setting season of 4,041 yards for 54 touchdowns with seven touchdowns to his name. The performance saw him honored by Ohio Division I, named Mr. Football Ohio runner-up, as well as Toledo Blade, League, and District Honors. Findlay made it as far as the second round state playoffs in their 10-2 season.

College Career

Roethlisberger's gifts weren't unknown to the University watchdogs, and Miami invited him out to their summer camp in the run-up to his senior season where Ben turned out a good showing but left without any scholarship offers materializing. Miami coach Terry Hoeppner states that their intention was to give him a chance to prove himself in the quarterback position before taking him on board.

Ben had a chance at being a four-year quarterback starter following the expiration of Mike Baths' eligibility, but he had to settle for a spot on the bench in 2000 before getting his shot at No. 1 QB in 2001.He struggled for a bit in his first couple of games against Iowa and Michigan before settling in properly to lead the team to victory in his first home game against Cincinnati. He completed 20 of 25 throws for 264 yards in addition to two touchdowns.

In their Mid-American Conference title matchup against the Bowling Green State Falcons in 2003, Ben established a title-game passing record of 440 yards.

NFL Career

When the 2004 Draft came around, the now six-foot-five, 240-pound quarterback proved to be an irresistible draw for the Steelers, who picked him up with the 11th first round draft pick. He exhibited a strength and athleticism that really stood out for a player of his size.

Some of the quarterbacks accompanying Ben included such names as Eli Manning, J.P. Losman, and Philip Rivers. Before his selection was announced officially by the commissioner, the call from the Steelers' coach, Cowher, was televised live on ESPN.

2004 Season
Ben signed a six-year, $22.26 million salary plus $17.73 incentive potential. They went on to put pen to paper once more in 2008, with Roethlisberger agreeing to a $102 million, eight-year contract. He is on record as stating that he would like to play out his football career with the Steelers, and it looks as though the franchise would be happy to hold on to him.

An otherwise impressive showing by Roethlisberger in the 2005 Championship (AFC) was marred by an intercepted pass that led to their defeat against the Patriots out of New England, who then proceeded on to Super Bowl glory.

2005: Initial Super Bowl Appearance
After getting through to the competition to secure a wild-card slot in the AFC, the Steelers showed remarkable heart to pull off unexpected victories against the teams that were ranged against it before finally defeating the Seattle Seahawks to lift the Super Bowl XL championship.

2008: Second Appearance at the Super Bowl
Big Ben was instrumental in pulling off what ranks highly on the list of heart-stopping wins in NFL Championship recollection when the Steelers, trailing 23-20 with only a handful of minutes remaining, went on a winning drive that saw them pick up 88 yards within eight plays, ably assisted by the game's MVP Santonio Holmes. A six-yard pass between the two stars secured a Steelers victory.

2010: Third Appearance at the Super Bowl
In his third top-flight appearance, Roethlisberger just couldn't manage the job of leading a decisive charge against the Packers from Green Bay. His potentially game-winning pass fell short of Wallace who was on 4th and 5th, leading to Ben's first Super Bowl disappointment.